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| A healthy soil ecosystem promotes plant health
and minimizes the need for fertilization which can often lead to degradation
of water quality downstream. Through proper soil amendment and preparation,
it is possible to create a substrate which is an ideal environment
for the growth and prosperity of the soil microbial community and
subsequently plant health. Sometimes the soil preparation process
can require extensive inputs and effort, but in some instances where
healthy soils exist on site prior to a project’s inception all
that is required are sensitive construction techniques to maintain
the health of the existing soils. This was exemplified in case of
the Maple Valley Library.
If soils are prepared according the specific requirements of the site and are continually mulched appropriately, the extent to which irrigation and additional nutrient inputs must be entered into the system is minimized. The potential for the degradation of water quality downstream from fertilizer runoff and reduces the stress on the water supply caused by increased demand for irrigation. Furthermore, it helps reduce erosion and subsequent sedimentation by promoting vigorous root development and plant health. Ultimately, healthy soils are essential to the quality of water
downstream. There is no effective alternative to the proper treatment,
preparation and maintenance of soils in our quest to enhance the
quality of water entering our invaluable aquatic ecosystems. The following websites outline in more detail issues concerning strategies for soil improvement and some of the more recent projects within King County:
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